Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally recognized, evidence-based training program that gives everyday people the knowledge and practical skills to support someone who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being, a mental health challenge or a crisis. MHFA is offered in Canada through Opening Minds, a not-for-profit organization created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. 

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Much like physical first aid, MHFA isn't about diagnosing or treating someone. It's about recognizing when something may be wrong, responding with confidence and compassion and helping connect that person with appropriate support.

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Participants build mental health literacy, explore stigma and barriers to helping and develop practical communication skills for having supportive conversations. They also learn the ALGES framework, a practical approach for responding when someone may be experiencing declining mental health or a crisis.

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As a certified MHFA training facilitator, Elizabeth delivers this standardized program through her affiliate company, Arpeggio Health Services. She brings extensive experience and passion to its delivery, having personally certified over 5,000 Canadians in MHFA over more than 300 courses since 2012.

 

MHFA is offered through flexible options to meet your needs:

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Mental Health First Aid Essentials

Building Awareness. Reducing Stigma. Strengthening Confidence.

6 hours (1 full day / 2 x half-days)  |  Virtual or in-person delivery

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MHFA Essentials is a streamlined, practical introduction to Mental Health First Aid. Participants develop foundational mental health knowledge and learn practical skills for recognizing when someone's mental health may be declining, starting a supportive conversation and helping connect them with appropriate resources.

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With no formal assessment or certification requirement, Essentials is an accessible, time-efficient option for organizations looking to build mental health literacy and practical helping skills across their workforce. 

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Ideal for: Organizations looking to equip a broad range of employees with practical mental health knowledge and helping skills.

 

 

Mental Health First Aid Certification

Deepening Skills. Strengthening Response. Leading with Confidence.

12 hours (2 full days / 4 x half-days)  |  Virtual or in-person delivery

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MHFA Certification offers a more comprehensive, in-depth learning experience, with additional exploration of mental health disorders and their prevalence, along with more scenario-based learning, discussion and opportunities to apply key concepts. 

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Following the training, participants complete a 25-question online certification assessment. The assessment must be completed within seven days of finishing the training, with participants given up to three attempts to achieve a passing grade pf 75%. Successful completion leads to a nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid Certification, valid for three years. 

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In addition to building practical skills that can be used in the workplace and everyday life, MHFA Certification provides a recognized professional development credential that participants can add to their résumé, CV, LinkedIn profile, etc.

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Ideal for: Employees and leaders who want more comprehensive training, organizations building stronger internal mental health support capacity and individuals seeking a recognized professional development credential.

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Key Learning Outcomes for Participants (depth depends on the course type selected):

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• Increase awareness of mental health and recognize signs that someone's mental health may be declining

• Understand stigma, diagnostic labelling and common barriers to helping

• Apply the ALGES framework to situations involving declining mental health and crisis

• Develop practical listening and non-judgmental communication skills

• Build confidence initiating supportive conversations and responding when someone may need help

• Identify and encourage appropriate professional, workplace and community supports